Dallas, TX – Family members have initiated a federal lawsuit against Rockwall County and its contracted health service provider, alleging negligence in the death of a 43-year-old man while incarcerated at the local county jail. The deceased, identified as Michael Galvan, reportedly exhibited signs of severe distress that went improperly addressed, leading to his fatality.
The lawsuit was filed in Dallas and brings to light concerning details about the handling of inmates experiencing medical emergencies. According to legal representatives, Galvan exhibited increasingly erratic behavior and sustained multiple falls resulting in a serious head injury. Despite visible symptoms and a deteriorating physical condition, the suit accuses jail staff of failing to provide necessary emergency medical care in a timely manner.
Dean Malone, the attorney representing the Galvan family, expressed significant concern over the jail’s response to the situation. “Immediate EMS intervention was essential,” Malone stated. “Instead, the response by the jail to Mr. Galvan’s obvious signs of a medical crisis was grossly inadequate.”
The legal claim underscores a series of alleged missteps by the jail personnel and the healthcare provider, specifically pointing out that staff did not act swiftly to summon emergency medical services until Galvan became unconscious. Subsequent to the delayed response, he was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
The incident raises questions about the efficacy of healthcare services within the jail and the protocols followed when inmates show clear signs of significant health issues. The lawsuit details that Galvan, at various times, tried to open locked doors and talked to himself while also having trouble coordinating his movements – behaviors that signaled a need for immediate medical examination and intervention.
Medical experts suggest that with head injuries, especially ones involving multiple impacts as in Galvan’s case, timely medical intervention can significantly alter outcomes. The lawsuit asserts that had the appropriate steps been taken promptly, Galvan’s death could have been prevented.
This case comes at a time when incarceration facilities nationwide are under increasing scrutiny for how they manage the health and welfare of inmates. It also touches on the wider issue of outsourcing inmate healthcare to private providers and the accountability mechanisms in place to ensure these entities meet required medical standards.
The Galvan family seeks not only justice for Michael but also aims to spotlight what they believe are systemic issues within correctional facility healthcare that need urgent address. Their hope is that this unfortunate event will lead to necessary reforms and prevent such occurrences in the future.
As the lawsuit proceeds, it will likely bring more attention to the standards of care expected within jails and the responsibilities of those entrusted with the care of inmates. Meanwhile, the Rockwall County officials have yet to release a formal statement regarding the case.